GHK-Cu
A naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide studied for extracellular matrix remodeling and skin biology.
Overview
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide first identified in human plasma in the 1970s, where researchers observed it declines significantly with age. This discovery sparked decades of research into its role in tissue remodeling and skin biology.
Mechanism of Action
GHK-Cu is studied for its ability to bind copper and deliver it to enzymes involved in extracellular matrix remodeling, including those responsible for collagen and elastin synthesis and turnover. It has also been studied for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory signaling, and more recently for broader gene-expression modulation effects observed in cell-culture research.
Cited Research
Original plasma-peptide discovery
Identified GHK-Cu in human plasma and documented its age-related decline.
Collagen & elastin synthesis studies
Examined effects on extracellular matrix protein synthesis and turnover in skin cell models.
Wound-healing & tissue remodeling
Studied topical and systemic application effects on tissue repair processes.
Gene-expression research
Broader cell-signaling research examining GHK-Cu’s effect on gene-expression patterns.
This is a summary, not an exhaustive review. Search the primary literature yourself: GHK-Cu on PubMed →
Safety & Handling
GHK-Cu should be handled only by qualified personnel in a laboratory setting, stored and reconstituted per its Certificate of Analysis, and kept refrigerated once reconstituted. It is not evaluated or approved by the FDA for any human or veterinary use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GHK-Cu legal to purchase?
It’s legal to sell and purchase as a research chemical for laboratory use in the U.S. The research-grade product sold here is not intended for human consumption.
What’s the difference between the vial, capsules, and shampoo?
All contain the same GHK-Cu compound formulated differently for different research applications — the vial is for reconstitution-based protocols, capsules for oral-route research, and the shampoo formulations for topical/scalp research contexts.
How should GHK-Cu be stored?
Keep the lyophilized powder refrigerated or frozen prior to reconstitution. Once reconstituted, keep refrigerated and use within the timeframe on its Certificate of Analysis.
Is this page medical advice?
No. This page summarizes published literature for research and educational context only. It does not recommend a dose, protocol, or use in humans or animals outside a laboratory setting.
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